Sunday, 13 July 2014

13th July 2014


Dear All,

On Monday Kate and I travelled to Cambridge to watch the start of the 3rd stage of the Tour de France. There were huge crowds but a very friendly atmosphere – much like the Olympics. We watched from Parkers Piece where there was a large screen and a stage where all the riders had to sign in before the start of the race. As there were 196 riders it took a long time but the commentators somehow managed to blurb on for 2 hours and we had a close look at all the competitors as well as film of previous satges. After a couple from our walking group had laid on a lunch so it was a good day.



Vincenzo Nibali & Chris Froome


Vincenzo Nibali


Cyril Lemoine
I had lunch with some of the ex NIAB “wrinklies” on Tuesday. Kate was down at Hove Tuesday/Wednesday while I had another session at Wisley. As I was travelling alone I took Ken, May and Carol for a look round. We were judging Crisp Lettuce and Garlic. The garlic was not especially good but we had Colin Boswell, the national expert from the Isle of Wight, to guide us through so it was very interesting.


Colin Boswell & Garlic trial


Herbaceous Border

 We had a wet walk on Thursday starting at Arkesden, south of Saffron Walden. The rain meant it was cooler than of late.

On Friday evening we had a chapel guided tour of the new “Eco House” in Willingham Road. John & Sally explained how the house evolved and the various green features. It is an achievement but at a price - £620,000!


Eco House external


Internal


Sedum Roof

Yesterday the cricket club had an open day for juniors so we had to prepare pitches at 7 am as it had been too wet before.

We currently have a lodger – Cathy Nel from South Africa. She is a mature lady who has been trying to make a new start after a broken marriage in South Africa but has found it very difficult to get a permanent job so may well have to return to Africa.

Ben completed his 2 weeks climbing mountains in the Pyrenees ending up in Barcelona via Andorra. It sounds like hard work but he claims to have enjoyed it.


Love



Mike & Kate

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